Birla industrial & technological museum: Kolkata
Birla Industrial & Technological Museum, the first Scientific and Industrial Museum in this country have come a long way. With its various galleries, various activities and ever increasing chains of satellite centres, it has become a place where Science happens in front of one’s eyes through animated and interactive models.
Head of the Museum : Sk. Emdadul Islam, Director
Full Address : 19A, Gurusaday Road, Kolkata- 700019
Phone Numbers : (033) 2281 2654, 2287 7241, 2287 7242, 2287 7243, 2289 2815, 2290 6102 (Telefax)
Email : [email protected]
Hours of opening : Everyday from 10.00 a.m. to 5.30 pm.. Including Sundays and Holidays (closed on Doljatra and Kalipuja)
Admission Fee per head :
Rs.15.00 (for General Public).
Rs.7.00 (for Students in group)
Rs 4.00 for BPL families with Certificate
Inaugurated on - 2nd May 1959
Floor Area : 9622.31 sq. mtrsHistory of Birla Industrial & Technological Museum (BITM) Kolkata
The premise of Birla Industrial & Technological Museum, now 19A, Gurusaday Road, was known as 18, Ballygunge Store Road before 1919. Historical Record shows that the Tagores purchased it from Mirza Abdul Karim in 1898. G.D. Birla bought the property in 1919 and from henceforth came to be known as Birla Park.
Lets discuss the transformation of Birla Park to Birla Museum. In 1956, Dr. B.C. Roy, the then Chief Minister of West Bengal, foresaw a big role of such Museums of Science, Technology & Industry in a developing country. Shri G.D. Birla also agreed with his idea and the magnanimous Birla Park with its imposing building and five bigas surrounding space was handed over to Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru, the then Prime Minister of India for setting up a science museum in Kolkata.
From then on till date, Birla Industrial & Technological Museum, the first Scientific and Industrial Museum in this country have come a long way. With its various galleries, and satellite centres, it has become a place where Science happens in front of one's eyes through animated and interactive models. Different Galleries In BITM: Kolkata
Fascinating Physics
Physics, the branch of science, which aims at unraveling the mysteries of the physical world and nature. The Classical Physics section of this gallery contains 28 interactive exhibits on Mechanics, Gravitation, Light and Electromagnetic Waves. The Modern Physics section of the gallery takes you to the microcosm of subatomic particles, to the edges of the universe where black holes and pulsars reside. The 38 exhibits with eye-catching visuals, working models, animations, video, multimedia, unmanned quiz and other presentation techniques are its attractions.
Transport
The gallery on Transport was opened to public on the occasion of the year-long celebration of the Pre-Golden Jubilee year of this institution during 2008 – 09. The gallery portrays the development of transport system from the 'Wheel' to the 'Supersonic Jet Engines' of the modern time through artifacts, models and interactive exhibits in the specified sections. A 1926 Rolls Royce Car and the Fiat Tipo used by the eminent scientist Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose are the star attractions of this gallery.
Electricity
The story of harnessing, different forms and applications of Electricity are explained through lively exhibits. The visitors can handle these exhibits for studying and exploring the principles of electricity. Interesting exhibits demonstrated here are Jacob's Ladder showing rising arc, Tesla Coil illuminating a tube light without connection etc.
Lifescience
This gallery at BITM is an effort to bring forth the science of life through a series of exhibits, both animate and inanimate. It narrates the story of life on earth, as unfolded through the ages, in all its magnificent varieties on three major habitats this planet could offer – water, land and air.
Mathematics Gallery
The new gallery on 'Mathematics' at BITM (inaugurated on May 8, 2010) is an attempt to present mathematical concepts in simple manner and provide enjoyable learning experiences through models, working exhibits in order to create interest in the subject among the young generation so that they are able to pursue higher studies in pure sciences with greater confidence. Children find this galley very intersting.
Metals Gallery
Since the dawn of civilization, metals have played a key-role in the life of man. Without effective utilization of metals, the spectacular engineering achievements of the present age would not have been possible. The Metals gallery of BITM depicts the story of four most important metals – Copper, zinc, iron etc.
